Key Takeaways
- Riot Games announced the EMEA Masters Winter 2026, featuring 36 teams from the EMEA Regional Leagues, starting March 9, 2026.
- The competition begins with a Champions Round, where eight ERL Winter Split champions compete, followed by a Group Stage from March 10 to March 15.
- The Group Stage includes 32 teams in eight groups of four, using a double-elimination bracket.
- The Playoffs consist of twelve teams with matches between March 23 and April 21, 2026, culminating in a best-of-five Grand Final.
- The top two teams qualify for the Esports World Cup EMEA Qualifier, aiming for the finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The EMEA Masters Winter 2026 format has been announced by Riot Games. The tournament will include 36 teams from the EMEA Regional Leagues. Competition begins on March 9, 2026. The event now connects directly to the Esports World Cup qualification pathway.
Tournament Structure and Opening Stage
The competition starts with a Champions Round. Eight ERL Winter Split champions compete in this phase. Matches are best-of-three. Four winning teams advance directly to the Playoffs Upper Bracket Round 2. The remaining four teams move into the Group Stage.
The Group Stage runs from March 10 to March 15. Thirty-two teams participate. Teams are placed into eight groups of four. Each group uses a double-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three. The winner of each group progresses to the Playoffs.
Karmine Corp Blue enters directly into the Group Stage. This follows participation in LEC Versus alongside Los Ratones.
Playoffs Format and Match Details
Twelve teams compete in the Playoffs. Eight teams qualify from the Group Stage. Four teams arrive from the Champions Round. The bracket follows a double-elimination structure. Most matches are best-of-three. The Grand Final is best-of-five. The Playoffs take place between March 23 and April 21, 2026.
Some playoff matches overlap with the start of ERL Spring Splits.
Esports World Cup Qualification
The top two teams qualify for the EWC EMEA Qualifier. They will compete alongside ten LEC partner teams. Academy teams are not eligible for Esports World Cup qualification. If an academy team finishes in a qualifying position, the next eligible non-academy team advances.
The final stage of this pathway leads to the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Source: https://esportsinsider.com/2026/02/emea-masters-winter-format-and-ewc-integration-revealed
